Police warn dog owners to control pets after livestock are killed

OFFICERS are warning dog owners to keep their pets under control after two dogs killed a number of sheep in the Moorlands.

Police were called at 7am on Saturday, April 24 to farmland on Rectory Road in Hollington following reports of animals injured.

Officers attended and two German Shepherd dogs were reported killing sheep before running off.

A total of seven lambs and one ewe died. Further livestock was also hurt, some of which have dependent lambs.

The farmer, who was legally allowed to shoot the dogs, but did not do so, was later assisted by a local vet.

Officers traced the owner of the dogs and inquiries are ongoing.

Chief Inspector Mark Thorley of Staffordshire Moorlands neighbourhood policing team, said: “No farmer likes the prospect of shooting a dog, let alone actually doing it, but it’s written into law that they can protect their livestock by shooting any dog which is worrying said livestock.

“There is only one person who can prevent this kind of incident from happening - the dog’s owner.

“I’d like to remind and warn dog owners that they may pay the ultimate price if they do not keep their animals under control.

“They should also consider that livestock can be worth huge sums of money, which they may be liable for, if their pet goes on to injure or kill them.

“You need not worry, however, as if you’re with your dog and you have it under proper control as the law states you should, there is no risk to the livestock or your dog.”

However district and parish councillor Peter Wilkinson said he was not happy how the incident had been dealt with.

He said: “There has been an incident of sheep worrying and I am a bit concerned about the advice given to the farmer telling him not to shoot the dogs. It is a farmer’s legal right to kill a dog that is threatening or harming his livestock.

“I also believe that people were told the dogs were not dangerous. I just want some clarification on the matter.”

Police were also called to a Leek street last Thursday following a dog attack.

A police spokesman said: “We were called at about 1.55pm on Thursday, April 22 over reports of a dog attacking another dog in Argles Road, Leek.

“The dog that was attacked was taken to the vets by its owner and the dog which had carried out the attack was contained in a garden. It was collected by its owners by about 2.50pm.

“No people were hurt in the incident.”

To report any crime involving livestock or other animals, contact Staffordshire Police on Facebook, Twitter, or call 101.

Or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or call 999 in an emergency.